Congenital Heart Defects
What Does This Unit Cover?
The Congenital Heart Disease Unit is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of heart diseases present from birth. These heart conditions can affect different structures of the heart, such as the valves, walls, or blood vessels.
At HM Hospitales, the Congenital Heart Disease Unit focuses on:
- Prenatal and postnatal diagnosis: Early detection of congenital heart diseases through fetal ultrasounds and diagnostic tests after birth.
- Medical and surgical treatment: Comprehensive approach to congenital heart diseases, from pharmacological treatment to corrective or palliative surgery.
- Long-term follow-up: Continuous monitoring of patients with congenital heart diseases to prevent complications and ensure a good quality of life.
- Multidisciplinary care: Coordination of a team of specialists (pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists, specialized nurses) to offer comprehensive and personalized care.
- Psychological support: Offering psychological support to patients and their families to cope with the emotional challenges associated with congenital heart diseases.
- Transition to adulthood: Preparing adolescent and young adult patients with congenital heart diseases for the transition to adult cardiac care.
Related Diseases
- Bicuspid valve.
- Brugada syndrome.
- Eisenmenger syndrome.
- Pulmonary stenosis.
- Pulmonary insufficiency.
Who is this Unit for?
The Congenital Heart Disease Unit is aimed at:
- Fetuses: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart diseases.
- Newborns: Early detection and treatment of congenital heart diseases.
- Infants and children: Management of congenital heart diseases during childhood.
- Adolescents and young adults: Follow-up and transition to adult care.
- Adults with congenital heart diseases: Long-term care and management of complications.
- Families: Support and counseling for families of patients with congenital heart diseases.
How do we approach it at HM Hospitales?
Cardiac Surgery
In many cases, surgery is necessary to correct or palliate congenital heart defects. Our pediatric cardiac surgeons have extensive experience in performing all types of cardiac surgeries, from the simplest to the most complex.
Percutaneous Intervention
In some cases, it is possible to treat congenital heart diseases using minimally invasive procedures performed through catheters. These procedures may include dilating narrowed valves, closing defects in the heart walls, or placing stents in blood vessels.
Pharmacological Treatment
Medications can be used to control the symptoms of congenital heart diseases, prevent complications, and improve heart function.